Coaching Issues

Mixed gender teams

Girls in a mixed gender team may feel intimidated or excluded from learning the game to the level they would like. Implement ways to get the males to take some responsibility for the females learning the game, set up girls zones to ensure they get to play a variety of positions (such as key corridor positions) and against each other.

Inappropriate handling of females by male coaches

If you need to touch a player to help them learn a skill ensure it is with the permission of the player. Use their parent if they are present.

Where sexuality issues/club culture can put some girls off being involved implement a Code of Conduct that players have developed.

For players from a different cultural background understand what issues may be culturally sensitive for them. For some Indigenous women it may be ‘shame’ for them to play AFL. For CALD women AFL will be foreign to them so explain unique football terms in context.

Socially "chatty" or opinionated female players

Open communication is valued by females. As long as they feel they have time to socialise or the coach listens to their ideas/opinions they will enjoy their football experience.